Wakesurfing boat and hull for a wakesurfing boat

ABSTRACT

A wakesurfing boat and a hull for a wakesurfing boat. The hull includes a bottom having a preselected length extending from a bow to a stern. The bottom includes a central ridge and port and starboard ridges extending below respective port and starboard bulwarks to define a substantially M-shaped bottom with concave portions to port and starboard of the central ridge. Port and starboard sponsons extend below the port and starboard bulwarks proximate the stern. A trim wedge projects below the stern. Two rounded stern portions are provided proximate the stern. In a dynamic surfing mode, with selectively-fillable ballast tanks partially or fully flooded, water flowing through the port and starboard concave portions, combined with the ballast, increases resistance to the hull, resulting in a larger wake wave. Water passing around the structural features proximate the stern is directed toward a convergent zone in the wake, resulting in an improved wake wave shape.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/835,660, filed Mar. 15, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 13/315,696, filed Dec. 9, 2011, the contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference, and claims priority theretounder 35 U.S.C. 120.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to boats and boat hulls. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to wakesurfing boats, andhulls used for wakesurfing boats.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wakesurfing is a sport that is growing in popularity. A wakesurfer,initially being towed behind a boat via a tow rope, rises to his feet ona surf board in a body of water (e.g., an ocean, a sea, a lake, or ariver) similar to a waterskier or a wakeboarder. In order to achieve anideal wakesurfing ride, the boat should generate in its wake a wave thatmimics as closely as possible, in view of the type of body of water, asize, a shape, a power, and a duration, of an ocean wave rising,cresting, and breaking near a beach, enabling the surfer to traverseback and forth on a face of the wake wave and ride a crest of the wakewave, similar to an ocean surfer.

Wakesurfers have been attempting to surf in the wakes of traditionalcruising boats, waterskiing boats, and wakeboarding boats. Thesetraditional classes of boats typically are designed for one or more ofspeed, seaworthiness, and handling characteristics. A problem withattempting to wakesurf behind traditional cruising boats, waterskiingboats, and wakeboarding boats, however, is that such boats fail togenerate sufficiently large, sufficiently well-shaped, and sufficientlylong-lasting wake waves to give a wakesurfer a long satisfying ride.

As is well known in the field of fluid dynamics, a boat, when passingthrough a body of water, creates separate waves that move in the boat'swake. In general, separate wake waves originate, respectively, from theboat's bow, centerline, quarter, and stern. Each wake wave generallyforms the arms of a V, with the source of the respective wake wave beingat the point of the V (the boat), and transverse curled wave crestsforming offset from the path of the boat. Wake wave height (Wh) is afunction of several factors, including for example a speed of the boathull in the body of water, resistance to the boat hull as it movesthrough the body of water, Froude number, a shape of the hull, a lengthof the hull, a length/beam ratio (L/B) of the hull, a speed/length ratio(SLR) of the hull, an amount of the boat hull in contact with the bodyof water, and an amount of water displaced by the boat as it movesthrough the body of water. Traditional cruising boats, wakeboardingboats, and waterskiing boats typically are configured are configuredwith planning hulls, have an L/B greater than 3.0, have lightdisplacements, experience minimal water resistance when moving throughthe water, and have optimal seaworthiness and handling characteristics.

Wake wave shape (Ws) can be affected by several factors, includinglength of the waterline (LWL), air trapped beneath the hull, waterflowing under the hull, and water flowing past the bulwarks of the hull.For example, air can be trapped beneath the hull by being admitted belowa raised bow of a traditional boat. This air, exiting at the stern ofthe hull, creates turbulence in the wake, giving the wake wave anundesirable muddy appearance. Water flowing under the hull and past thebulwarks of a traditional boat typically is directed away from the wake,resulting in a wave shape Ws with an undesirable wave aspect, slope,and/or power.

A self-propelled wakesurfing boat, and a hull for a wakesurfing boat, isdesired which will generate the largest, best-shaped, andlongest-lasting wake waves possible in view of the boat's size,displacement, and speed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, a wakesurfing boat, and a hull for awakesurfing boat, for wakesurfing in a body of water, substantiallyobviates one or more of the problems caused by the limitations anddisadvantages of traditional boats.

A wakesurfing boat operable in a body of water, in accordance with theinvention, includes a hull. The hull includes a bow, a stern, port andstarboard bulwarks, a bottom, a length, a beam, and a first waterlinewhen the hull is at rest. A substantially central ridge extends a firstdepth below the hull bottom proximate the bow, extending along thelength at progressively decreasing depths below the bottom to asubstantially planar bottom portion midway between the bow and thestern. Port and starboard ridges extend second depths beneath the bottomproximate respective port and starboard bulwarks, defining with thecentral ridge a generally M-shaped cross section with port and starboardconcave portions opening beneath the bow, the port and starboard ridgesextending along the length at progressively decreasing depths below thebottom to the substantially planar bottom portion;

Port and starboard lateral rounded sponsons extend beneath therespective port and starboard bulwarks proximate the stern. Preferablyeach sponson is rounded with an approximately 150 mm fillet.

A trim wedge extends from the hull below the stern, and extends forward,defining two generally triangular faces, toward the substantially planarportion;

A first rounded stern portion is provided below the stern, immediatelyaft of, and attached to, the trim wedge. A second rounded stern portionis defined by the stern extending from the port sponson to the starboardsponson.

A ballast system is supported by the hull, including a plurality ofballast tanks and a ballast watering system. The ballast tanks areconfigured and positioned within the hull to selectively receive ballastwater and trim the hull, while the hull is moving through the water, inone of at least two operating modes, including a non-surfing, orcruising, mode, and a dynamic surfing mode. A static surfing modeexists, wherein the ballast tanks are being flooded, but the hull is notmoving through the water, prior to the dynamic surfing mode.

In the cruising mode, with the ballast tanks substantially empty, thehull has a first trim angle, bow up, and a second waterline, higher onthe bulwarks than the first waterline. A first amount of displaced wateris displaced by the hull. A first amount of water enters the openings atthe bow to the port and starboard concave portions of the generallyM-shaped bottom, and flows under the bottom of the hull. The abovefeatures combine to give the hull a first LWL1, and subject the hull toa first amount of water resistance. In the wake of the hull, a firstwake wave W1 is generated, having a first height Wh1, and a first shapeWs1.

In the dynamic surfing mode, with ballast tanks at least partiallyfilled, or filled with ballast water, the hull has a second trim angle,stern down, and a third waterline higher on the bulwarks than the secondwaterline. A second amount of displaced water is displaced by the hull,greater than the first amount of displaced water. A second amount ofwater, greater than the first amount of water, enters the openings atthe bow of the concave portions of the generally M-shaped bottom, andflows under the hull. The above features combine to give the hull asecond LWL, LWL2, greater than LWL1, and further subject the hull to asecond amount of water resistance, greater than the first amount ofwater resistance. In the wake of the hull, a second wake wave W2 isgenerated, having a second wave height Wh2, and a second wave shape Ws2.

The combination of increased ballast, increased LWL with more of thehull bottom in contact with the water, increased volume of water passingthrough the concave portions of the generally M-shaped bottom, and theresultant increase in water resistance to the hull results in the hull,in the dynamic surfing mode, generating a wake wave W2 having a greaterheight Wh2 than the wake wave W1 generated by the hull in the cruisingmode, and greater in height than wake waves generated by traditionalboat hulls.

In order to decrease an amount of air under the hull, with its resultantloss of pressure, which produces the generally muddy-appearing water inthe hull's wake, the deep concave portions have been defined in the hullbottom, and LWL has been increased to achieve improved performance andan increase in the wetted surface of the hull. The configuration of theconcave portions proximate the bow suppresses a flow of air under thehull, resulting in a reduced loss of pressure under the hull.

The combination of water passing around the rounded lateral sponsons,water passing beneath the first rounded stern portion, water passing bythe second rounded stern portion, and water passing by the surfaces ofthe trim wedge, directs water to a convergent zone in the wake of themoving hull, generating the wake wave W2 with a wave shape Ws2 having animproved slope and power in comparison to a wake wave shape Ws1generated by the hull in the cruising mode, and having a better shapethan wake waves generated by traditional hulls.

In addition, the wave created by the hull passing, rather than planning,in the water is due to a reinstatement of atmospheric pressure (1 bar atsea level) following a disturbance in the water created by passage ofthe hull therethrough, wherein surface water is pushed downward,increasing pressure in the water, with atmospheric pressure followingimmediately after passage of the hull, which typically creates pressurefluctuations, resulting in an unsatisfactory wave shape. As discussedabove, the combined hull features of the present invention act togetherto increase the hull's wetted surface and its displacement, resulting ina higher water resistance thereto as it moves through the water in thedynamic surfing mode, generating a larger wake wave, while thestructural hull features at the bow, i.e., the concave portions, bothsuppress entry of air beneath the hull, and act as a funnel, carryingwater back to where the trim wedge and the rounded stern features todirect water into a convergent zone in the wake, to generate the wakewave with a desired shape, in terms of aspect, slope, and power.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth inpart in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious fromthe description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Theobjects and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained bymeans of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in theappended claims.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate the presently preferredembodiment of the invention and together with the description, serve toexplain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a wakesurfing boat in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a bottom of a hull in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the bottom of the hull depicted inFIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the hull in accordance with theinvention, depicting locations of the ballast tanks;

FIG. 5 is a top cross-sectional view of the hull in accordance with theinvention, depicting locations of the ballast tanks;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the hull in accordance with the invention,operating in the cruising mode;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the hull in accordance with the invention,operating in the static surfing mode;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the hull in accordance with the invention,operating in the dynamic surfing mode;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the hull, depicting locations of spacedcross-sectional cuts A-M at preselected locations along the length ofthe hull between the stern and bow of the hull, respectively;

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the half-hull, as used in navalarchitectural drawings, depicting the locations of spacedcross-sectional cuts shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a front cross-sectional view of the hull, in accordance withthe invention, depicting the relative locations of each of thecross-sectional cuts A-M, shown in FIGS. 9 and 10;

FIGS. 12A-12M are cross-sectional views of the hull, in accordance withthe invention, at each of the respective cross-sectional cuts A-M, asshown in FIGS. 9 and 10;

FIG. 13 depicts a trim wedge at the stern of the hull, in accordancewith the invention, and depicts how water flowing under the hull, isdirected by the stern wedge into the hull's wake;

FIG. 14 depicts a laterally-rounded sponson, in accordance with theinvention, and depicts how water flowing past the rounded sponson, isdirected by the sponson into the hull's wake;

FIG. 15 depicts a first rounded stern portion, in accordance with theinvention, and depicts how water flowing under the hull and past thefirst rounded portion, is directed by the first rounded stern portioninto the hull's wake;

FIG. 16 depicts the generally M-shaped hull, in accordance with theinvention, port and starboard concave portions of the hull in accordancewith the invention, and more particularly how the port and starboardconcave portions at the cross-sectional view depicted proximate FIG. 12Kand FIG. 12L assist in suppressing air flow beneath the bow andmaintaining pressure under the hull, thereby suppressing trapped airunder the hull in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 17 depicts water pressure conditions beneath the hull and in thewake of the hull resulting from the configuration of the hull inaccordance with the invention as depicted in FIGS. 1-16, and depictsgeneration of a resultant wake wave having a desired height, aspect,slope, and power; and

FIG. 18 depicts flow of water under the hull having the configuration inaccordance with the invention as depicted in FIGS. 1-16, wherein theconfiguration of the bow acts substantially as a funnel, funneling wateraft to where the trim wedge, the laterally-rounded sponsons, and thefirst and second stern rounded portions redirect the water to aconvergent zone in the wake, to shape the wake wave as desired.

FIG. 19 is a chart depicting for a hull having the configuration inaccordance with the invention, immersed in salt water, for variousdrafts, displacements, L/B ratio, Lwl, Bwl, and volume

FIG. 20 is a graph depicting for a hull having the configuration inaccordance with the invention, immersed in salt water, displacement vs.draft.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodimentof the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

In accordance with the invention, as broadly embodied in FIG. 1, awakesurfing boat 10 includes a hull 12. Hull 12 includes a bow 14, astern 16, a port bulwark 17, a starboard bulwark 18, a center of gravityCG, a first waterline WL1 defined on the bulwarks when the boat is atrest in a body of water, a hull bottom 20, a length L, a beam B, andpreferably a length to beam ratio L/B of less than 3.0.

As broadly embodied in FIGS. 2 and 3, hull bottom 20 includes asubstantially central ridge portion 22 extending a first depth d1 belowthe hull proximate the bow 14. Preferably, and as shown in FIG. 2, thedepth of the central ridge portion 22 extends along the length of thehull bottom 20 at progressively decreasing depths to a substantiallyplanar portion 23 in the hull bottom 20 midway between the bow 14 andthe stern 16. A port ridge portion 24 and a starboard ridge portion 25each extend a second depth d2 below the hull proximate the respectiveport and starboard bulwarks 17 and 18. In accordance with the invention,and as best embodied in FIGS. 2 and 16, the central ridge portion 22,and the port and starboard ridge portions 24 and 25, combine to define asubstantially M-shaped cross-sectional configuration, with port andstarboard concave portions 26 and 27, defined between the substantiallycentral ridge 22, and the respective port and starboard ridges 24 and25. The port concave portion 26 is open to the body of water at anopening 28 proximate the bow 14, and the starboard concave portion 27 isopen to the body of water at an opening 29, also proximate the bow 14.Preferably, and as shown in FIG. 2, the respective depths of the portand starboard ridge portions 24 and 25 extend along the length of thehull bottom 20 at progressively decreasing depths below the hull bottomto the substantially planar portion 23.

In accordance with the invention, and as broadly embodied in FIGS. 3 and14, port and starboard lateral rounded sponsons 30 and 32 extend beneaththe respective port and starboard bulwarks 17 and 18 proximate the stern16. Preferably, each sponson is rounded with a lateral fillet 33 and 34respectively. Each fillet preferably has a radius of approximately 150mm. Referring to FIG. 1, the port and starboard lateral sponsons alsoare raised higher on the bulwarks 17 and 18, respectively.

In accordance with the invention, a trim wedge 35 extends below thestern 16 to a third depth d3. As broadly embodied in FIGS. 2 and 3, thetrim wedge 35 extends forward toward the substantially planar portion23, defining first and second generally triangular faces 36 and 37.

In accordance with the invention, and as broadly embodied in FIG. 15,the hull further comprises a first generally rounded stern portion 38located below the stern 16, immediately aft of, and attached to, thetrim wedge 35. It is further preferred, referring to FIGS. 3, 13, and17, that a second rounded portion 39 be provided at the stern 16,extending from the port sponson 30 to the starboard sponson 32.

In accordance with the invention, a ballast system 40 is supported bythe hull 12. As broadly embodied in FIGS. 4 and 5, ballast system 40includes a plurality of ballast tanks, including sets of dual tanks, andsingle tanks 42 a, 42 b, 43 a, 43 b 44 a, 44 b, 45, and 46. Preferably,a ballast watering system including at least one pump (not shown) isprovided to selectively pump ballast water to various selected ballasttanks in order to trim the hull 12 in various selected trim anglesduring different operating modes, as explained in detail below.Preferably, the ballast tanks are configured with a preselected volumecapacity, and positioned on the hull 12, in order to obtain desiredconditions of waterline, LWL, displacement, and trim angle, when thehull 12 is moving through the body of water. For example, dual tanks 44a, 44 b are positioned partly forward of the CG, tank 45 is positionedforward of tanks 44 a, 44 b. Tank 46, positioned at the stern, has thelargest capacity, greater than approximately 1100 liters of ballastwater.

As a result of the ballasting, it is further preferred that the volumesof the hull when immersed in salt water, L/B ratios, LWL, and associatedhull displacements and drafts, be established as shown in FIGS. 19 and20. One of ordinary skill will recognize that the hull volumes willchange when the hull is immersed in fresh water.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the hull 12 is depicted viewed from theside and from below, respectively, with a plurality of cross-sectionalcut lines A-M. FIG. 11 depicts the hull in cross-section viewed from thebow 14, depicting all of the cross-sectional cut lines A-M. FIGS.12A-12M depict separate cross-sections, viewed from the bow 14, of eachof the cross-sectional cuts A-M. In FIGS. 12A-12M, the generalflattening in depth of the central ridge 22, the port and starboardridges 24 and 25, and the concave portions 26 and 27 between the bow 14and the substantially planar hull portion 23. The emergence of the trimwedge 35 also can be seen. More significantly, FIGS. 12M, 12L, and 12Kdepict the configuration of the port and starboard concave portions 26and 27 at the bow 14 (FIG. 12M) and proximate, but approximately 1.6 maft of the bow (FIGS. 12K and 12L). The position of cross-sectional cutsK and L is approximately where the body of water through which the hullmoves first touches the hull 12 when the hull operates in the dynamicsurfing mode Mds, described in greater detail below. The cross-sectionalconfiguration of the concave portions 26 and 27 proximate andimmediately aft of the bow 14 is significant because, as will beexplained below, this configuration reduces pressure loss at the bow 14,thereby suppressing entry of air, that would otherwise be trapped underthe hull 12. Suppression of trapped air under the hull 12 subsequentlysuppresses turbulent flow of muddy-appearing water in the wake of thehull 12.

In accordance with the invention, selective flooding of selected ballasttanks with selected volumes of ballast water trim the hull in one ofthree operating modes. As broadly embodied in FIG. 6, hull 12 isdepicted operating in a non-surfing, or cruising mode, Mc. As broadlydepicted in FIG. 7, hull 12 is depicted operating in a static surfingmode, Mss. As broadly depicted in FIG. 8, hull 12 is depicted operatingin a dynamic surfing mode, Msd. As embodied in FIG. 6, in the cruisingmode, Mc, the hull 12 is moving through the body of water, the ballasttanks are substantially empty, the hull 12 displaces a first amount ofdisplaced water, the hull is trimmed bow up, a second waterline WL2 isdefined on the bulwarks, higher on the bulwarks than the first at-restwaterline WL1, a first amount of water enters the openings of the portand starboard concave portions 26 and 27, and traverses through thelength of the concave portions 26 and 27, and the hull 12 encounters afirst water resistance Wr1. As a result of all of the above factors, thehull 12 generates a first wake wave W1 having a first wave height Wh1,and a first wave shape Ws1. As broadly depicted in FIG. 7, the staticsurfing mode, Mss, the hull 12 is not moving through the water, theballast tanks are partially filled, the hull displaces an amount ofdisplaced water intermediate the amounts of displaced water in thecruising mode Mc and the dynamic surfing mode Msd, and the hull 12 has astern down trim intermediate the trims in the cruising mode Mc and thedynamic surfing mode Msd.

As broadly embodied in FIG. 8, in the dynamic surfing mode, Msd, thehull again is moving through the body of water, the ballast tanks aresubstantially filled or filled, the hull 12 displaces a second amount ofdisplaced water, greater than the first amount of displaced water, thehull 12 is trimmed stern down, a third waterline WL3 is defined on thebulwarks, higher on the bulwarks than the second waterline WL2,resulting in more surface of the hull being in contact with the body ofwater, a second amount of water, greater than the first amount of water,enters the openings of the concave portions 26 and 27 and traverses thelengths of the concave portions 26 and 27, and the hull 12 encounters asecond amount of water resistance Wr2, greater than the first amount ofwater resistance Wr1 encountered in the cruising mode Mc. In the dynamicsurfing mode Msd, the hull 12 generates a second wake wave W2. As aresult of all of the above factors, a second wave height Wh2 of secondwake wave W2 is greater than the wave height Wh1 of wake wave W1generated in the cruising mode Mc.

In accordance with the invention, wake wave W2 also has a different waveshape Ws2. As broadly depicted in FIGS. 14 and 18, rounding of thelateral sponsons 30 and 32 with the approximately 150 mm fillets 33 and34 deflect portions of lateral flow of the body of water inward towardthe wake of the hull 12. As broadly embodied in FIG. 15, the first sternrounded portion 38 immediately aft of the trim wedge 35 directs flow ofthe body of water beneath the hull upward toward the surface in the wakeof the hull 12. The second rounded stern portion 39, assists the lateralrounded sponsons to direct water flowing past the bulwarks into the wakeof the hull 12. Moreover, as broadly depicted in FIG. 18, water passingbelow the hull 12 is further directed by contact with triangular faces36 and 37 of trim wedge 35 to a center of the wake. Each of the abovefactors contributes to water flowing laterally past, and below, the hull12, being directed to a convergent zone Zc in the wake of the hull 12,which contributes to generation of the wave shape Ws2 with an improvedface and crest, having reduced turbulence.

Furthermore, the increase in LWL, as a result of the above-describedfactors in the dynamic surfing mode Msd achieves improved performanceand an increase in the wetted surface of the hull. As broadly embodiedin FIG. 16, the configuration of the concave portions 26 and 27proximate the bow 14 maintain higher pressure below the concaveportions, thereby suppressing entry of air under the hull at the bow,subsequently maintaining desired high pressure areas 50 under the hull,as shown in FIG. 17.

In addition, as broadly embodied in FIG. 17, the wave created by thehull 12 passing, rather than planning, in the water is due to areinstatement of normal atmospheric pressure 52 (1 bar at sea level)following disturbance in the water created by passage of the hulltherethrough, wherein surface water is pushed downward, increasingpressure in the water, with atmospheric pressure following immediatelyafter passage of the hull, which typically creates pressure fluctuations53 which result in an unsatisfactory wave shape. The combined hullfeatures discussed above act together to suppress pressure fluctuations53 in the water. As broadly embodied in FIG. 18, the structural hullfeatures, including the concave portions 26 ad 27, act as a funnel,carrying water back to where the trim wedge 35 and the rounded featuresproximate the stern 16, i.e. 33, 34, and 39, redirect water into thewake to convergent zone Zc, to generate the wake wave with a desiredshape, in terms of aspect, slope, and power.

The wakesurfing boat further includes a deck, visible in FIG. 1, and apair of counter-rotating propellers (not shown) to propel the boat.

One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the configurationand principle of operation of the wakesurfing boat and the hull for awakesurfing boat, in accordance with the present invention, is notlimited to any length of hull. The hull 12 can have the length L of ayacht, the length L of a cruiser, or the length L of a sport boat.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice of theinvention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification andexamples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spiritof the invention being indicated by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wakesurfing boat comprising: a hull comprisinga bow, a stern, a center of gravity CG, a port bulwark, a starboardbulwark, a length L, a beam B, a first waterline defined on the bulwarkswhen the hull is at rest in a body of water, and a bottom extending fora preselected length from the bow to the stern, the bottom comprising: asubstantially central ridge extending a first depth below the hullproximate the bow, the substantially central ridge extending along thelength at progressively decreasing depths below the hull to asubstantially planar bottom portion midway between the bow and thestern; port and starboard ridges extending second depths below the hullproximate the respective port and starboard bulwarks, defining with thesubstantially central ridge a generally M-shaped cross section, withport and starboard concave portions between the substantially centralridge and the respective port and starboard ridges, the port andstarboard ridges extending at progressively decreasing depths below thehull to the substantially planar bottom portion; and port and starboardlateral sponsons extending beneath the port and starboard bulwarksproximate the stern; and a ballast system supported by the hullcomprising a plurality of ballast tanks and a ballast watering system,the ballast tanks configured and positioned in the hull to selectivelyreceive ballast water to trim the hull, while moving through the water,in one of at least two operating modes, the at least two operating modesincluding: a cruising mode, wherein the ballast tanks are substantiallyempty, the hull has a first trim angle and a second waterline, the hulldisplacing a first amount of water, and a first amount of water enteringopenings at the bow of the port and starboard concave portions of thegenerally M-shaped bottom and traversing the length in the port andstarboard concave portions, combining to subject the hull to a firstamount of water resistance; and a dynamic surfing mode, wherein theballast tanks are at least partially filled or filled with ballastwater, the hull has a second trim angle and a third waterline, higher onthe bulwarks than the second waterline, the hull displacing a secondamount of displaced water greater than the first amount of displacedwater, and a second amount of water, greater than the first amount ofwater, entering the openings at the bow of the port and starboardconcave portions of the generally M-shaped bottom and traversing thelength in the port and starboard concave portions, combining to subjectthe hull to a second amount of water resistance greater than the firstamount of water resistance; a deck; and at least one propeller.
 2. Thewakesurfing boat of claim 1, wherein a length to beam ratio (L/B) of thehull is less than 3.0.
 3. The wakesurfing boat of claim 1, wherein thehull is configured such that when the hull is moving in the dynamicsurfing mode, interference with flow of water below the bottom of thehull, directs the water beneath the hull to a convergent zone in thewake of the boat.
 4. The wakesurfing boat of claim 1, further comprisinga first generally rounded stern portion.
 5. The wakesurfing boat ofclaim 4, further comprising a second generally rounded stern portion. 6.The wakesurfing boat of claim 1, wherein the ballast tanks comprise aplurality of sets of tanks, the sets of tanks being positioned atgenerally symmetrical locations with respect to one another on the hull.7. The wakesurfing boat of claim 1, wherein when the hull moves throughthe body of water in the cruising mode, the hull generates at least onewake wave having a first height and a first shape.
 8. The wakesurfingboat of claim 7, wherein when the hull moves through the body of waterin the dynamic surfing mode, as a result of the increased ballast, theincreased amount of displaced water, the second amount of water passingthrough the port and starboard concave portions of the generallyM-shaped bottom, the second greater amount of water resistance to thehull, and the water passing past the lateral sponsons, the hullgenerates at least one wake wave having a second height that is greaterthan the first height, and a second shape.
 9. A hull for a wakesurfingboat, the hull comprising: a bow, a stern, a center of gravity CG, aport bulwark, a starboard bulwark, a length L, a beam B, a firstwaterline defined on the bulwarks when the hull is at rest in a body ofwater, and a bottom extending for a preselected length from the bow tothe stern, the bottom comprising: a substantially central ridgeextending a first depth below the hull proximate the bow, thesubstantially central ridge extending along the length at progressivelydecreasing depths below the hull to a substantially planar bottomportion midway between the bow and the stern; port and starboard ridgesextending second depths below the hull proximate the respective port andstarboard bulwarks, defining with the substantially central ridge agenerally M-shaped cross section with port and starboard concaveportions between the substantially central ridge and the port andstarboard ridges, the port and starboard ridges extending atprogressively decreasing depths below the first waterline to thesubstantially planar bottom portion; and port and starboard lateralsponsons extending beneath the port and starboard bulwarks proximate thestern; and a ballast system supported by the hull comprising a pluralityof ballast tanks and a ballast watering system, the ballast tanksconfigured and positioned in the hull to selectively receive ballastwater to trim the hull, while moving through the water, in one of atleast two operating modes, the at least two operating modes including: acruising mode, wherein the ballast tanks are substantially empty, thehull has a first trim angle and a second waterline, the hull displacinga first amount of water, and a first amount of water entering openingsat the bow of the port and starboard concave portions of the generallyM-shaped bottom, and traversing the length in the port and starboardconcave portions, combining to subject the hull to a first amount ofwater resistance; and a dynamic surfing mode, wherein the ballast tanksare at least partially filled or filled with ballast water, the hull hasa second trim angle and a third waterline, higher on the bulwarks thanthe second waterline, the hull displacing a second amount of displacedwater greater than the first amount of displaced water, and a secondamount of water, greater than the first amount of water, entering theopenings at the bow of the port and starboard concave portions of thegenerally M-shaped bottom, and traversing the length in the port andstarboard concave portions, combining to subject the hull to a secondamount of water resistance greater than the first amount of waterresistance.
 10. The hull of claim 9, wherein a length to beam ratio(L/B) of the hull is less than 3.0.
 11. The hull of claim 9, whereinwhen the bottom is configured such that when the hull is moving in thedynamic surfing mode, interference with flow of water below the bottomof the hull directs the water beneath the hull to a converging zone inthe wake of the hull.
 12. The hull of claim 9, further comprising afirst generally rounded stern portion.
 13. The hull of claim 12, furthercomprising a second generally rounded stern portion.
 14. The hull ofclaim 12, wherein when the hull moves through the body of water in thecruising mode, the hull generates at least one wake wave having a firstheight and a first shape.
 15. The hull of claim 14, wherein when thehull moves through the body of water in the dynamic surfing mode, as aresult of the increased ballast, the increased amount of displacedwater, the second amount of water passing through the port and starboardconcave portions of the generally M-shaped bottom, the second greateramount of water resistance to the hull, and the water passing past thesponsons, the hull generates at least one wake wave having a secondheight that is greater than the first height, and a second shape. 16.The hull of claim 9, wherein the length L is a length selected from thegroup consisting of the length of a yacht, the length of a cruiser, andthe length of a sport boat.
 17. The hull of claim 9, wherein the portand starboard concave portions are configured to at least partiallyprevent air from entering under the bow.
 18. The wakesurfing boat ofclaim 1, wherein the length L is a length selected from the groupconsisting of the length of a yacht, the length of a cruiser, and thelength of a sport boat.
 19. A hull for a wakesurfing boat, the hullcomprising: a bow, a stern, a center of gravity CG, a port bulwark, astarboard bulwark, a length L, a beam B, a first waterline defined onthe bulwarks when the hull is at rest in a body of water, and a bottomextending for a preselected length from the bow to the stern, the bottomcomprising: a substantially central ridge extending a first depth belowthe hull proximate the bow, the substantially central ridge extendingalong the length at progressively decreasing depths below the hull to asubstantially planar bottom portion midway between the bow and thestern; port and starboard ridges extending second depths below the hullproximate the respective port and starboard bulwarks, defining with thesubstantially central ridge a generally M-shaped cross section with portand starboard concave portions between the substantially central ridgeand the port and starboard ridges, the port and starboard ridgesextending at progressively decreasing depths below the hull to thesubstantially planar bottom portion; a trim wedge extending below thestern, and extending forward toward the substantially planar portion; afirst rounded stern portion fixed to the trim wedge aft of the trimwedge; a second rounded stern portion; and a ballast system supported bythe hull comprising a plurality of ballast tanks and a ballast wateringsystem, the ballast tanks configured and positioned in the hull toselectively receive ballast water to trim the hull, while moving throughthe water, in one of at least two operating modes, the at least twooperating modes including: a cruising mode, wherein the ballast tanksare substantially empty, the hull has a first trim angle and a secondwaterline, the hull displacing a first amount of water, and a firstamount of water entering openings at the bow of the port and starboardconcave portions of the generally M-shaped bottom, and traversing thelength in the port and starboard concave portions, combining to subjectthe hull to a first amount of water resistance; wherein the port andstarboard concave portions are configured to at least partially preventair from entering under the bow; and a dynamic surfing mode, wherein theballast tanks are at least partially filled or filled with ballastwater, the hull has a second trim angle and a third waterline, higher onthe bulwarks than the second waterline, the hull displacing a secondamount of displaced water greater than the first amount of displacedwater, and a second amount of water, greater than the first amount ofwater, entering the openings at the bow of the port and starboardconcave portions of the generally M-shaped bottom, and traversing thelength in the port and starboard concave portions, combining to subjectthe hull to a second amount of water resistance greater than the firstamount of water resistance; and wherein the trim wedge, and the firstand second stern rounded portions, are each configured to direct waterinto a convergent zone in the wake of the hull.
 20. A wakesurfing boatcomprising: a hull comprising a bow, a stern, a center of gravity CG, aport bulwark, a starboard bulwark, a length L, a beam B, a firstwaterline defined on the bulwarks when the hull is at rest in a body ofwater, and a bottom extending for a preselected length from the bow tothe stern, the bottom comprising: a substantially central ridgeextending a first depth below the hull proximate the bow, thesubstantially central ridge extending along the length at progressivelydecreasing depths below the hull to a substantially planar bottomportion midway between the bow and the stern; port and starboard ridgesextending second depths below the hull proximate the respective port andstarboard bulwarks, defining with the substantially central ridge agenerally M-shaped cross-section, with port and starboard concaveportions between these substantially central ridge and of the respectiveport and starboard ridges, the port and starboard ridges extending atprogressively decreasing depths below the hull to the substantiallyplanar bottom portion; and a trim wedge extending below the stern, andextending forward toward the substantially planar portion; a ballastsystem supported by the hull comprising a plurality of ballast tanks anda ballast watering system, the ballast tanks configured and positionedin the hull to selectively received ballast water to trim the hull,while moving through the water, in one of at least two operating modes,the at least two operating modes including: a cruising mode, wherein theballast tanks are substantially empty the hull has a first trim angleand a second waterline, the hull displacing a first amount of displacedwater, and a first amount of surface water entering openings at the bowof the port and starboard concave portions of the generally M-shapedbottom and traversing the length in the port and starboard concaveportions, combining to subject the hull to a first amount of waterresistance; and a dynamic surfing mode, wherein the ballast tanks are atleast partially filled or filled with ballast water, the hull has asecond trim angle and a second waterline higher on the bulwarks than thefirst waterline, the hull displacing a second amount of displaced watergreater than the first amount of displaced water, and a second amount ofsurface water, greater than the first amount of surface water, enteringthe openings at the bow of the port and starboard concave portions ofthe generally M-shaped bottom and traversing the length in the port andstarboard concave portions, combining to subject the hull to a secondamount of water resistance, greater than the first amount of waterresistance; a deck; and at least one propeller.
 21. A wakesurfing boatcomprising: a hull comprising a bow, a stern, a center of gravity CG, aport bulwark, a starboard bulwark, a length L, a beam B, a firstwaterline defined on the bulwarks when the hull is at rest in a body ofwater, and a bottom extending for a preselected length from the bow tothe stern, the bottom comprising: a substantially central ridgeextending a first depth below the hull proximate the bow, thesubstantially central ridge extending along the length at progressivelydecreasing depths below the hull to a substantially planar bottomportion midway between the bow and the stern; and port and starboardridges proximate the respective port and starboard bulwarks, definingwith the substantially central ridge a generally M-shaped cross-section,with port and starboard concave portions between these substantiallycentral ridge and of the respective port and starboard ridges, the portand starboard ridges extending at progressively decreasing depths belowthe hull; a ballast system supported by the hull comprising a pluralityof ballast tanks and a ballast watering system, the ballast tanksconfigured and positioned in the hull to selectively received ballastwater to trim the hull, while moving through the water, in one of atleast two operating modes, the at least two operating modes including: acruising mode, wherein the ballast tanks are substantially empty thehull has a first trim angle and a second waterline, the hull displacinga first amount of displaced water, and a first amount of surface waterentering openings at the bow of the port and starboard concave portionsof the generally M-shaped bottom and traversing the length in the portand starboard concave portions, combining to subject the hull to a firstamount of water resistance; and a dynamic surfing mode, wherein theballast tanks are at least partially filled or filled with ballastwater, the hull has a second trim angle and a second waterline higher onthe bulwarks than the first waterline, the hull displacing a secondamount of displaced water greater than the first amount of displacedwater, and a second amount of surface water, greater than the firstamount of surface water, entering the openings at the bow of the portand starboard concave portions of the generally M-shaped bottom andtraversing the length in the port and starboard concave portions,combining to subject the hull to a second amount of water resistance,greater than the first amount of water resistance; a deck; and at leastone propeller; wherein the M-shaped bottom is configured to direct waterbeneath the hull to a convergent zone in the wake of the hull.
 22. Thewakesurfing boat of claim 21, wherein the M-shaped hull is furtherconfigured to at least partially prevent air from entering under thebow.
 23. A hull for a wakesurfing boat, the hull comprising: a bow, astern, a center of gravity CG, a port bulwark, a starboard bulwark, alength L, a beam B, a first waterline defined on the bulwarks when thehull is at rest in a body of water, and a bottom extending for apreselected length from the bow to the stern, the bottom comprising: asubstantially central ridge extending a first depth below the hullproximate the bow, the substantially central ridge extending along thelength at progressively decreasing depths below the hull to asubstantially planar bottom portion midway between the bow and thestern; port and starboard ridges extending second depths below the hullproximate the respective port and starboard bulwarks, defining with thesubstantially central ridge a generally M-shaped cross section with portand starboard concave portions between the substantially central ridgeand the port and starboard ridges, the port and starboard ridgesextending at progressively decreasing depths below the hull; and aballast system supported by the hull comprising a plurality of ballasttanks and a ballast watering system, the ballast tanks configured andpositioned in the hull to selectively receive ballast water to trim thehull, while moving through the water, in one of at least two operatingmodes, the at least two operating modes including: a cruising mode,wherein the ballast tanks are substantially empty, the hull has a firsttrim angle and a second waterline, the hull displacing a first amount ofwater, and a first amount of water entering openings at the bow of theport and starboard concave portions of the generally M-shaped bottom,and traversing the length in the port and starboard concave portions,combining to subject the hull to a first amount of water resistance; anda dynamic surfing mode, wherein the ballast tanks are at least partiallyfilled or filled with ballast water, the hull has a second trim angleand a second waterline, higher on the bulwarks than the first waterline,the hull displacing a second amount of displaced water greater than thefirst amount of displaced water, and a second amount of surface water,greater than the first amount of surface water, entering the openings atthe bow of the port and starboard concave portions of the generallyM-shaped bottom, and traversing the length in the port and starboardconcave portions, combining to subject the hull to a second amount ofwater resistance greater than the first amount of water resistance;wherein the M-shaped bottom is configured to direct water into aconvergent zone in the wake of the hull.
 24. The hull of claim 23,wherein the M-shaped bottom is further configured to at least partiallyprevent air from entering under the bow.
 25. A method of generating awakesurfing wave, comprising: utilizing a wakesurfing boat, the boatcomprising: a hull comprising a bow, a stern, a center of gravity CG, aport bulwark, a starboard bulwark, a length L, a beam B, a firstwaterline defined on the bulwarks when the hull is at rest in a body ofwater, and a bottom extending for a preselected length from the bow tothe stern, the bottom comprising: a substantially central ridgeextending a first depth below the hull proximate the bow, thesubstantially central ridge extending along the length at progressivelydecreasing depths below the hull to a substantially planar bottomportion midway between the bow and the stern; port and starboard ridgesextending second depths below the hull proximate the respective port andstarboard bulwarks, defining with the substantially central ridge agenerally M-shaped cross section, with port and starboard concaveportions between the substantially central ridge and the respective portand starboard ridges, the port and starboard ridges extending atprogressively decreasing depths below the hull to the substantiallyplanar bottom portion; port and starboard lateral sponsons extendingbeneath the port and starboard bulwarks proximate the stern; and a trimwedge extending below the stern, and extending forward toward thesubstantially planar portion; a ballast system supported by the hullcomprising a plurality of ballast tanks and a ballast watering system,the ballast tanks configured and positioned in the hull to selectivelyreceive ballast water to trim the hull, while moving through the water,in one of at least two operating modes, the at least two operating modesincluding: a cruising mode, wherein the ballast tanks are substantiallyempty, the hull has a first trim angle and a second waterline, the hulldisplacing a first amount of water, and a first amount of water enteringopenings at the bow of the port and starboard concave portions of thegenerally M-shaped bottom and traversing the length in the port andstarboard concave portions, combining to subject the hull to a firstamount of water resistance, generating a first wake wave; and a dynamicsurfing mode, wherein the ballast tanks are at least partially filled orfilled with ballast water, the hull has a second trim angle and a thirdwaterline, higher on the bulwarks than the second waterline, the hulldisplacing a second amount of displaced water greater than the firstamount of displaced water, and a second amount of water, greater thanthe first amount of water, entering the openings at the bow of the portand starboard concave portions of the generally M-shaped bottom andtraversing the length in the port and starboard concave portions,combining to subject the hull to a second amount of water resistancegreater than the first amount of water resistance; a deck; and at leastone propeller; wherein the generally M-shaped bottom, the lateralsponsons and the trim wedge direct water beneath the hull to aconvergent zone in the wake of the hull which, combined with theincreased second amount of displaced water and the increased secondamount of water resistance, generate a second wake wave larger than thefirst wake wave; and operating the boat in the dynamic surfing mode. 26.A method of generating a wakesurfing wave, comprising: utilizing awakesurfing boat, the boat comprising: a hull comprising a bow, a stern,a center of gravity CG, a port bulwark, a starboard bulwark, a length L,a beam B, a first waterline defined on the bulwarks when the hull is atrest in a body of water, and a bottom extending for a preselected lengthfrom the bow to the stern, the bottom comprising: a substantiallycentral ridge extending a first depth below the hull proximate the bow,the substantially central ridge extending along the length atprogressively decreasing depths below the hull to a substantially planarbottom portion midway between the bow and the stern; port and starboardridges extending second depths below the hull proximate the respectiveport and starboard bulwarks, defining with the substantially centralridge a generally M-shaped cross section, with port and starboardconcave portions between the substantially central ridge and therespective port and starboard ridges, the port and starboard ridgesextending at progressively decreasing depths below the hull to thesubstantially planar bottom portion; port and starboard lateral sponsonsextending beneath the port and starboard bulwarks proximate the stern;and a ballast system supported by the hull comprising a plurality ofballast tanks and a ballast watering system, the ballast tanksconfigured and positioned in the hull to selectively receive ballastwater to trim the hull, while moving through the water, in one of atleast two operating modes, the at least two operating modes including: acruising mode, wherein the ballast tanks are substantially empty, thehull has a first trim angle and a second waterline, the hull displacinga first amount of water, and a first amount of water entering openingsat the bow of the port and starboard concave portions of the generallyM-shaped bottom and traversing the length in the port and starboardconcave portions, combining to subject the hull to a first amount ofwater resistance, generating a first wake wave; and a dynamic surfingmode, wherein the ballast tanks are at least partially filled or filledwith ballast water, the hull has a second trim angle and a thirdwaterline, higher on the bulwarks than the second waterline, the hulldisplacing a second amount of displaced water greater than the firstamount of displaced water, and a second amount of water, greater thanthe first amount of water, entering the openings at the bow of the portand starboard concave portions of the generally M-shaped bottom andtraversing the length in the port and starboard concave portions,combining to subject the hull to a second amount of water resistancegreater than the first amount of water resistance; a deck; and at leastone propeller; wherein the generally M-shaped bottom, and the lateralsponsons direct water beneath the hull to a convergent zone in the wakeof the hull which, combined with the increased second amount ofdisplaced water and the increased second amount of water resistance,generate a second wake wave larger than the first wake wave; andoperating the boat in the dynamic surfing mode.
 27. A method ofgenerating a wakesurfing wave, comprising: utilizing a wakesurfing boat,the boat comprising: a hull comprising a bow, a stern, a center ofgravity CG, a port bulwark, a starboard bulwark, a length L, a beam B, afirst waterline defined on the bulwarks when the hull is at rest in abody of water, and a bottom extending for a preselected length from thebow to the stern, the bottom comprising: a substantially central ridgeextending a first depth below the hull proximate the bow, thesubstantially central ridge extending along the length at progressivelydecreasing depths below the hull to a substantially planar bottomportion midway between the bow and the stern; port and starboard ridgesextending second depths below the hull proximate the respective port andstarboard bulwarks, defining with the substantially central ridge agenerally M-shaped cross section, with port and starboard concaveportions between the substantially central ridge and the respective portand starboard ridges, the port and starboard ridges extending atprogressively decreasing depths below the hull to the substantiallyplanar bottom portion; and a trim wedge extending below the stern, andextending forward toward the substantially planar portion; a ballastsystem supported by the hull comprising a plurality of ballast tanks anda ballast watering system, the ballast tanks configured and positionedin the hull to selectively receive ballast water to trim the hull, whilemoving through the water, in one of at least two operating modes, the atleast two operating modes including: a cruising mode, wherein theballast tanks are substantially empty, the hull has a first trim angleand a second waterline, the hull displacing a first amount of water, anda first amount of water entering openings at the bow of the port andstarboard concave portions of the generally M-shaped bottom andtraversing the length in the port and starboard concave portions,combining to subject the hull to a first amount of water resistance,generating a first wake wave; and a dynamic surfing mode, wherein theballast tanks are at least partially filled or filled with ballastwater, the hull has a second trim angle and a third waterline, higher onthe bulwarks than the second waterline, the hull displacing a secondamount of displaced water greater than the first amount of displacedwater, and a second amount of water, greater than the first amount ofwater, entering the openings at the bow of the port and starboardconcave portions of the generally M-shaped bottom and traversing thelength in the port and starboard concave portions, combining to subjectthe hull to a second amount of water resistance greater than the firstamount of water resistance; a deck; and at least one propeller; whereinthe generally M-shaped bottom, and the trim wedge direct water beneaththe hull to a convergent zone in the wake of the hull which, combinedwith the increased second amount of displaced water and the increasedsecond amount of water resistance, generate a second wake wave largerthan the first wake wave; and operating the boat in the dynamic surfingmode.
 28. A method of generating a wakesurfing wave, comprising:utilizing a wakesurfing boat, the boat comprising: a hull comprising abow, a stern, a center of gravity CG, a port bulwark, a starboardbulwark, a length L, a beam B, a first waterline defined on the bulwarkswhen the hull is at rest in a body of water, and a bottom extending fora preselected length from the bow to the stern, the bottom comprising: asubstantially central ridge extending a first depth below the hullproximate the bow, the substantially central ridge extending along thelength at progressively decreasing depths below the hull to asubstantially planar bottom portion midway between the bow and thestern; port and starboard ridges extending second depths below the hullproximate the respective port and starboard bulwarks, defining with thesubstantially central ridge a generally M-shaped cross section, withport and starboard concave portions between the substantially centralridge and the respective port and starboard ridges, the port andstarboard ridges extending at progressively decreasing depths below thehull; and a ballast system supported by the hull comprising a pluralityof ballast tanks and a ballast watering system, the ballast tanksconfigured and positioned in the hull to selectively receive ballastwater to trim the hull, while moving through the water, in one of atleast two operating modes, the at least two operating modes including: acruising mode, wherein the ballast tanks are substantially empty, thehull has a first trim angle and a second waterline, the hull displacinga first amount of water, and a first amount of water entering openingsat the bow of the port and starboard concave portions of the generallyM-shaped bottom and traversing the length in the port and starboardconcave portions, combining to subject the hull to a first amount ofwater resistance, generating a first wake wave; and a dynamic surfingmode, wherein the ballast tanks are at least partially filled or filledwith ballast water, the hull has a second trim angle and a thirdwaterline, higher on the bulwarks than the second waterline, the hulldisplacing a second amount of displaced water greater than the firstamount of displaced water, and a second amount of water, greater thanthe first amount of water, entering the openings at the bow of the portand starboard concave portions of the generally M-shaped bottom andtraversing the length in the port and starboard concave portions,combining to subject the hull to a second amount of water resistancegreater than the first amount of water resistance; a deck; and at leastone propeller; wherein the generally M-shaped bottom, and the trim wedgedirect water beneath the hull to a convergent zone in the wake of thehull which, combined with the increased second amount of displaced waterand the increased second amount of water resistance, generate a secondwake wave larger than the first wake wave; and operating the boat in thedynamic surfing mode.